The question of when and if Planning Permission is needed for exterior work depends upon a lot of different factors but in most cases the answer is No . The following is a guide to when wall rendering or wall coating may need permission but as rules are frequently changing we encourage you to check with your local Council if in any kind of doubt at all :

When Planning Permission is not needed for render or wall coating

1. When replacing an exterior render or renewing a painted finish with the same like for like materials

2. If not in a conservation area and your home is not listed then you can render or wall coat your walls whether or not they are currently rendered or painted

When Planning May be Needed

1. Grade 2 listed and above even if replacing like for like

2. If you are rendering onto a boundary wall and the new fin ish technically encroaches into the neighbours  or Local Authority’s space eg a terrace front or any wall fronting onto a public path way

3. If your home is in a conservation arewa or an area of outstanding natural beauty.

When Planning Must be Obtained

1. Adding a new finish to any Listed property or one in a Conservation area etc

2. Building Regs need to be applied for under Part L1B if you are applying an insulation render system to a solid wall for the first time

3. If you are rendering a brick solid wall and are not fitting an insulation system as required under the Regs but are seeking an exemption for technical or aesthetic reasons

IF HAVING A NEW WALL COATING OR RENDERING AN OUTSIDE WALL ESPECIALLY FOR THE FIRST TIME THEN PLEASE CHECK WITH BUILDING CONTROL IF IN THE SLIGHTEST DOUBT ABOUT PLANNING PERMISSION.